Gunpowder & Sky, the global content studio, announced today that it has acquired the worldwide rights to the Zeek Earl and Chris Caldwell directed sci-fi western film Prospect, which had its world premiere at SXSW to critical acclaim. Gunpowder & Sky will release the film theatrically in the U.S. later this year through its sci-fi label DUST, in partnership with SingularDTV, the blockchain entertainment studio. Gunpowder & Sky will bring on a partner to launch international sales at Cannes. Post theatrical, the film will have its digital premiere on SingularDTV, marking a first-of-its-kind global digital launch – on an innovative, blockchain-enabled VOD platform.
“DUST has far surpassed our early ambitions, and in just one year since launch has become the go to sci-fi destination for millions of fans across multiple platforms, by showcasing thought-provoking premium sci-fi content from breakthrough emerging filmmakers to the masters of the genre like Lucas and Zemeckis.” said Floris Bauer, Co-Founder and President, Gunpowder & Sky. “We couldn’t be happier to release our first feature Prospect – based on a short – by first time directors Zeek and Chris, a film that encapsulates everything that we strive for with DUST, in a groundbreaking global partnership with SingularDTV”.
Prospect stars Sophie Thatcher (“The Exorcist”) and Jay Duplass (“Transparent”) as a father-daughter duo traveling to a remote moon to hunt for elusive riches in the orbe’s toxic forests. After they encounter treacherous inhabitants the trip quickly turns into a desperate fight for survival. Pedro Pascal (“Game of Thrones”, “Narcos”, Wonder Woman 2), Sheila Vand (Argo, “24: Legacy”), Andre Royo (“The Wire”) and Anwan Glover (“The Wire”) also star.
“Prospect represents a groundbreaking new vision in the science fiction genre,” said Jake Hanly, VP Acquisitions, Gunpowder & Sky. “Chris and Zeek have crafted a stunning new world that draws you in with innovative storytelling, moving performances, and jaw dropping production design and special effects. This directing team is the next big thing for blockbuster filmmaking, and we couldn’t be more excited to share this cosmic adventure with audiences around the globe”.
“We are incredibly excited to be in business with Gunpowder & Sky,” said Directors Zeek Earl and Chris Caldwell. “A strong theatrical release is far from given for independent films these days and we feel we’ve found a partner who understands that the world of Prospect is best experienced on the big screen.”
“We’re thrilled to partner with Gunpowder & Sky on the global release of this incredible film,” said Jason Tyrrell, VP of Content for SingularDTV. “InProspect, Chris and Zeek have truly changed the game for what’s possible with independent sci-fi storytelling, and to pair this film with an innovative release strategy that will bring transparency, accountability, and access to a global audience via blockchain technology is just a perfect fit. We couldn’t be happier to align our efforts with Gunpowder & Sky and the DUST brand.”
Depth of Field, The Realm and Ground Control produced the film with Andrew Miano, Chris Weitz, Scott Glassgold, Dan Balgoyen, Garrick Dion, Matthias Mellinghaus and Brice Budke as producers. Jason Cloth, Aaron L. Gilbert, Andria Spring, Tracey Bing, Steven Thibault, as executive producers. Endeavor Content negotiated the sale on behalf of the filmmakers.
This news follows DUST premiering the Zach Strauss directed Bad Peter, which stars Golden-Globe nominated Frankie Shaw (“SMILF”), during Tribeca. DUST has also recently partnered with USC’s School of Cinematic Arts for the premiere of the George Lucas 1967 student short, “Electronic Labyrinth: THX 1138 4EB”, followed by legendary filmmaker Robert Zemeckis’ 1972 student short film “The Lift”.
The Realm recently wrapped production on Villains, starring Bill Skarsgård, Maika Monroe, Jeffrey Donovan, and Kyra Sedgwick; and recently premiered its film Parallel at the Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival.
Sci-Fi Western ‘Prospect’ is a Shining Example of Indie Filmmaking
